A special Christmas message from GOSH and some familiar faces

17 Dec 2019, 10:12 a.m.

Some familiar faces are helping us tell the story of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) this Christmas. Give a warm welcome to Martin Freeman, Claire Foy, Stephen Mangan, Gemma Whelan and Stephen Merchant!   This fantastic bunch joined us to spread some festive cheer by reading a GOSH-version of the classic poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’.

Christmas is a time for loved ones to spend together. For the children at GOSH who are too ill to go home this Christmas, that time is especially precious. Watch the film above to hear how the hospital and GOSH charity supports patients, families and staff through the festive period.

Transcript from the film:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the wards,     children were dozing while playthings were stored.    Stockings were hung in corridors with care,    Holding words of hope, for children treated there.     Parents snoozed gently, never too far away,   Helped by GOSH Charity with somewhere close to stay,  Giving 2,000 families bed and board each year,    Reminding worried children, they have nothing to fear.   When out on the street there arose such a clatter,    all sprung from their beds to see what was the matter.    The nurses and doctors, surgeons and play team,  All ran to the windows, to witness the scene.   Scientists researching night after night  Came out from their labs to admire the sight  With volunteers and teachers they formed a great crowd,   And all sang to the wards, with harmonies loud.   “Ward Sky, ward Squirrel, wards Robin and Rhino,    On Flamingo, on Fox, on Leopard and Lion,    Look out of your windows and soon you will see,    A sleigh flying past, quick as can be.”   The children looked up at the sparkling sky,    And saw Santa’s sleigh whizzing on by.    He rounded the hospital and flew to the top,    Dropping off presents in every last block.     Gifts of research, equipment, support and more space,   Funded by donors from all over the place.  They heard him exclaim as he zoomed out of sight –     “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

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